By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Long County names Flott head coach
RonaldPlott
New Long County head football coach Ronald Flott (third from left) meets with Walker Middle School head football coach William Hadley, WMS assistant coach John Willis, WMS assistant principal Deen Peek during a meet and greet Friday. - photo by Photo by Mike Riddle

Though the Long County Board of Education still has to give its official blessing, Ronald Flott is in line to be the next football coach at Long County High School.

He replaces Kyle Wilson, who resigned after going 13-47 in six seasons.

"We’re very excited about coach Flott being here," Long County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters said. "He was very impressive during his interview with our selection committee. … I personally am very satisfied with the direction he looks to take our program in, and his vision and mine are compatible."

Flott said he looks forward to the challenge.

"I love coaching football, and I love working with young people. Looking at the program, as a whole, I think me coming here is a good fit," he said.

One of his first orders of business will be trying to turn around a program that has struggled to win games.

"I want to try to establish a culture of winning (at Long County)," Flott said. "I want them to be winners as citizens, winners as students, winners in the weight room and winners during the week at practice. If I am able to do this, then Friday night will take care of itself."

The program already has some ingredients in place.

"From what I have seen, there are quite a few kids who can run and who are good athletes," Flott said. "You can coach a kid about what he is supposed to do and you can work with him to help make him bigger, but you can’t teach speed.

"And as for weaknesses, across the lines of scrimmage we’re not as strong as we need to be on offense and defense."

Flott said turning a program that has gone 1-19 and been outscored 771-188 in that same period will require a concerted effort from everyone involved.

"I’m excited about being here, but for these kids to be the best that they can be, I’m going to need help," he said. "Having a successful high school football program takes the entire community getting behind it."

"We need monetary help from businesses and individuals who can (afford to give) to help us out. We also need help from parents in supporting the program and making sure they get their kids to practices and support the coaches," he said. "A winning football program takes dedication from the entire community," Flott said.

He met with Waters, school board members and other school system representatives Feb. 4 and apparently made a strong impression during the interview.

He brings a solid resume to Long County.

Flott was chosen as the Coastal Empire Coach of the Year in 2002 by the Savannah Morning News and Region 3 Athletic Director of the Year in 2003.

Both honors came while he was at Southeast Bulloch High School, where Flott compiled a 49-43 record and a number of trips to the state playoffs from 1997-2005.

Flott has been with Emanuel County Institute since 2007 as a defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. The school won the Class A state title in 2007 and was the runner-up in 2008.

Flott also has experience coaching in Florida, where he was the head coach at Brandon High School.

He was named the district coach of the year in 1993 and ’95.

Flott has a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University and a master’s degree in education and leadership from Georgia Southern University.

Sign up for our e-newsletters